The future of work: Why AI and the care economy will redefine global jobs

The “Future of Jobs Report” by the World Economic Forum notes that the period leading up to 2030 will be defined by both vast job creation and significant displacement. The report, which surveyed over 1,000 global employers representing more than 14 million workers across 22 industries, forecasts that while structural change will affect 22% of total jobs, the outcome is a net positive growth of 7%, equating to the creation of 78 million new jobs globally.

This employment shift is shaped by various interconnected macro-drivers. Understanding these factors is one of the most important strategic step toward a successful career.

The five defining macro-drivers

The future of jobs will be shaped by a combination of individual and collective factors:

• Technological advancement: The acceleration of digital access, AI, and automation.
• Economic uncertainty: Volatility driven by the increasing costs of living and slower global growth.
• Geo-economics tensions: Geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions influencing global supply chains and operations.
• Demographic shifts: Changes in population age, location, and size across different global regions.
• The green transition: The urgent global effort toward climate-change mitigation and adaptation.

Generative AI and the tech revolution

Technological advancement is by far the most transformative force. Broadening digital access is expected to transform 60% of companies. At the heart of this change are advancements in AI and Information Processing, cited by 86% of employers as having the largest impact. This trend, coupled with the adoption of Robotics and Automation (58%) and new Energy Generation, Storage, and Distribution (41%) technologies, is creating a palpable effect on the labor market.

The impact is most visible in the shift from routine, clerical tasks to highly specialized, technical, or human-centered roles:

• Fastest growing jobs: The fastest-growing roles are dominated by technology and sustainability. The roles, such as: Big Data Specialists, Fintech Engineers, AI and Machine Learning Specialists, Software and App Developers, and, critically, Renewable Energy Engineers, Environmental Engineers, and Electric and Autonomous Vehicle Specialists are among the ones with the highest demand expected.
• Fastest-declining jobs: The growing decline is expected in clerical and administrative roles highly susceptible to automation. This includes Cashiers and Ticket Sales Personnel, Administrative Assistants and Executive Secretaries, Postal Service Clerks, Bank Tellers, and Data Entry Clerks.

To maintain strategic success, workers must pivot toward roles that require complex problem-solving, data management, and the ethical oversight of new technologies.

The aging population and the rise of the care economy

Another factor in the changing dynamics in the job market is the demographic change, specifically the aging and declining working-age populations in high-income economies (like European states and Japan) and the expanding working-age populations in lower-income countries.

This trend is fueling massive growth in the Healthcare Economy and Education sectors:

• Healthcare jobs: The need for professionals in gerontology and healthcare is rising, with roles like Nursing Professionals and Personal Care Aides seeing significant growth.
• Education roles: Expanding working-age populations, combined with the need for upskilling, drive demand for Education-related professionals and those skilled in Teaching and Mentoring

Furthermore, the Green Transition is creating a parallel demand for environmental expertise, making Environmental Stewardship an emerging core skill.

Social influence and the demand for human-centered skills

Geopolitical tensions among global political powers and economic uncertainty are increasing the demand for uniquely human capabilities. With the rising cost of living and inflation expectations, though with mixed effects on the job creation and slower economic growth expected to displace 1.6 million jobs annually, businesses need stability, adaptability, and cohesion, all driven by effective human leadership.

Demand is surging for human-centered skills that automation cannot replace:

• Resilience, flexibility, and agility: Economic volatility and geopolitical factors (such as geo-economic fragmentation, restrictions on trade, and the trend toward Offshoring and Re-shoring) increase the need for staff who can adapt quickly to operational changes.
• Leadership and social influence: These skills are vital for managing decentralized or augmented workforces and ensuring high-quality operations (Resource Management, Operation Quality Control).
• Motivation and self-awareness: In a disruptive environment, internal skills related to self-management and talent management are becoming essential for maintaining productivity.

The strategic imperative: Upskilling and talent attraction

The most significant barrier to successful business transformation is the Skills Gap, cited by 63% of employers. This means the responsibility is on both the employer and the employee to prioritize learning.

By 2030, an estimated 60% of the workforce will require some form of upskilling or reskilling training. Employers are responding with diversified strategies:

• Investment in staff: 85% of employers plan to prioritize upskilling current staff, while 50% plan to transition workers from declining roles into growing ones.
• Hiring strategy: 70% expect to hire staff with new skills, emphasizing the crucial role of external talent acquisition.
• Attracting and retaining talent: To secure the best talent, organizations are focusing their efforts on employee well-being. Key strategies include supporting Health and Well-being, creating clear paths for Talent Progression and Promotion, and ensuring Funding for Skills Development.

Ultimately, securing a successful career in the 2025-2030 era depends on a dual focus: embracing the technical skills of the AI and green economy (AI and Big Data, Networks and Cybersecurity, Environmental Stewardship) while cultivating the high-demand cognitive and social influence skills (Analytical Thinking, Creative Thinking, Resilience, Flexibility, and Leadership) that only human expertise can provide.

Aziza Normuradova